Top Global University Project

The Top Global University Project is a funding project promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) which aims to enhance the international compatibility and competitiveness of higher education in Japan. It provides prioritized support for the world-class and innovative universities that lead the internationalization of Japanese universities.

UTokyo’s initiative, “Constructing a Global Campus Model at UTokyo,” was selected by MEXT as part of its Top Global University Project (Type A), which is for world-class universities that have the potential to be ranked in the top 100 in world university rankings.

The Six Characteristics of the Global Campus Model

World-class, cutting-edge research takes place in a wide range of academic fields

A comprehensively reformed education system suitable for the modern Globalization Era

A wide range of degree programs and courses throughout the curriculum available in English

A high level of research and teaching carried out in Japanese, and courses in languages other than English taking place systematically

A diverse environment where academic and administrative staff and students of the University can teach, research and work together regardless of culture, language, gender, and age while mutually understanding each other

An organization put into place that supports the Global Campus, and where staff with high levels of knowledge and competency is placed throughout the University

Summary of Project

To construct this Model,
(1) a new and effective education system through comprehensive education reform and modification of the academic calendar has to be constructed and enhanced,
(2) the global outreach in education as well as research activities should be improved through the formation of strategic partnerships with select world–leading overseas universities (details HERE), and
(3) a core platform that facilitates the planning and implementation of a Global Campus should be established.

Strategic Partnerships Project

Strategic Partnerships are expansive, mutually-beneficial, and special relationships with a limited number of overseas universities that go beyond the usual academic exchange agreements by taking advantage of the strengths of UTokyo and each strategic partner university.